Means for laying and picking up submarine cables and the like



Feb. 26, 1929. 1,703,777

F. E. PERNOT MEANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 1, 1923 8 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

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Feb. 26, 1929.

1,703,777 F. E. PERNOT MEANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 1, 192a a Sheets-Sheet 2 Ma i/770i Feb. 26, 1929. 1,703,777

F. E. PERNOT MEANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 1, 1923 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 MM k? Feb. 26, 1929. 1,703,777

F. E. PERNOT MEANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 1 1923 a sheets-shet 4 g: I r

I' I 1 J32 T\ l J 5 I v E I E v ("H I l I 1 3 ll 3 W l I: ll J 2 ll i ii H ll i H ii H nw zwra/P L1 G 4{ f M Feb. 26, 1929.

' F. E. PERNOT ISANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig.7. 1

Filed Feb. 1, 1923 Fig.6.

Feb. 26, 1929. v

E. E. PERNOT MEANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIKE Fil ed Feb. 1, 1923 a Sheets-Sh99t 6 Feb. 26, 1929. 1,103,717

F. E. PERNOT MEANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE GABLES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb/1, 1923 a Sheets-Sheet 7 Feb.. 26, 1929. 1,703,777

F. E. PERNOT MEANS FOR LAY ING AND PICKING UP SUBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIIKE Filed 1 5.71. 1925 8 Sheets-Sheet e q /4 (Edam/7 Patented Feb. 26, I929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

FREDERICK EUGENE PERNOT, or LONDON, ENGLAND.

MEANS FOR LAYING AND PICKING UP SUIBMARINE CABLES AND THE LIKE.

Application filed February 1, 1923, Serial No. 616,451,'and in Great Britain February 3, 1922.

The present invention has reference particularly to new or improved means for laying and picking up submarine cables and the like, and is applicable generally to tasks of a similar nature. The object of the present invention is to provide means whereby cables containing discontinuities or irregularities along their length'can be conveniently and effectively laid and picked up.

It is well known in the art of cable engineering that a great gain in the efliciency of submarine cables can be secured by introducing inductive loading coils into the cable at suitable intervals, such intervals varying from one or two to twenty or more miles. The

diiiiculty of handling cables containing such loadings, or lumps has heretofore prevented the general use of such inductive loading, however. 'appear in either a single concentrated massive lump of weight up to possibly one thousand pounds or more, or of a length of cable of considerably increased diameter extending for distances of from a few rods to a few miles in length. In either case, i. e.the

single concentrated heavy lump or the'short length of increased diameter cable,diificulty has been found in carrying the cable from or to the storage tanks of the ship and laying or picking up the cable around the drums, sheaves, etc. as at present used for controlling the tension under which the cable is paid out. This tension is normally of the order of magnitude from one to ten tons.

It the purpose of the present invention to overcome this difiiculty.

In this specification the term lump will be used to refer to the complete structure associated with a concentrated loading element; It is a term current in practical cable engineering and serves conveniently to distinguish between smoothly distributed loading (as by a continuous whipping of iron. wire) and concentrated loading which requires mounting in some form of container dil'l'erent from the cable in. order to ensure mechanical strength and protection. Furthermore, things other than inductive loading coils may be contained within the lump,

tain cases to connect condensers to the cable at frequent intervals.

The principal feature of the present in- Loadings of adequate size may to arrest the motion as for instance it has been proposed in ceror the like for effectually moving with the cable to or from the storage tanks therefor and for maintaining the proper control of or tension in the cable.

A further feature of the invention is the provision'of clamping mechanism or devices for holding the cable along one side of the loop thus enabling the proper control of the cable to be exercised by the loop.

loop and thence overboard (or the reverse in the picking up process). 7

In the provision of auxiliary tension and guiding means to ensure that the cable always enters the loop. clamps properly and of the cable in the case of failure of anyipart of the various devices.

In the provision of automatic means for ensuring that the auxiliary guiding and tension device opens of a lump through it.

A still further feature of the invention resides in the method ofv disposing the guiding means for conveying cable and lumps to the control band with reference to the storage tanks in such a manner that the lumps can be stowed outside of the tank and put into position for paying out before such paying out actually takes place,

lViththe above and other objects in view. the systems for accomplishing the desired results as described are illustrated in connection with the attached drawings, where- 1n:

Fig, 1 is a view in side elevation, largely diagrammatic, illustrative of the'invention. Fig. 2 shows in plan a fractional part of the preferred form of endless band with the clamping mechanism. Fig. 3 shows a side elevation of one of the links of the provision of automatic means A further feature of the invention reto permit the passage iuin with the clampi g meebal 'nism, and Fig. 4t shows an end elevation of on the line ilr r or .5, the cable-cm gag ng aws being closed.

Fig. 8 shows a method whereby the mechanisi-n controlling tl'ieauxiliary guiding and I 9 and 9 7 cable and endless band. 7

holding device is automatically actuated by the passage of a load or lump.

Fig. ,9 shows in side elevation a particular method of connecting a lump into the cable, and

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the arrangement-illustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 shows how the jaws of the clamping mechanism on the endless band or chain accommodate themselves to sucha cable and lump combination as is illustrated in Figs.

1-1 shows in plan a method of intro-, ,d-ucinga .bight into the cable and 'Fig. 12 is aside view o't'the same.

Fig. 13 shows the magnet-ic circuit involved in'a magnetic clamping device, as an alternative Ito .mechanically controlled clamps. V

14-,shows another method of clamping the cable'to the endless band, in this case by putting a serving continuously around both Fig; 15 shows a still further method of making thecable.transmit its tension to the endless bandbymeans of idle wheels pressingtl'ie cable into a groove in the band or links .ol' the band. 7 V

Fig. 16 isan end view of the same.

' Fig.17 shows a method .otarranging the cable and lumps at'the tank so thatthelumps can he stowed outside of the tank.

j :F 18 showshow .a lump placed at the end of a bight in the cable can be lowered over the stern of the ship in payingout.

Fig. .19 is a broken plan viewof the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 2. p

In Figure 1, which isa. view of .a complete system, the dotted line at .S represents the stern of a ship over which cable containing lumps to be paid out, a" indicates the deck line of the ship and T the tank in which the cable is contained. The cable passii'ig from the cable tank T to the stern of the ship is rc' 'niesented at l and the coiled cable within the tank shown at 2. 4 represents lumps connected into the cable 2 and stored in the centre of the coiled cable preceding paying out. V I

The principal feature of the invention is embodied in the device for imparting tension brake drum 9 and brake band 10.

to the cable during the .paying out process. An articulated .chain carrying clamping device passes over sprockets 7 and 8.

S rocket 8 is equipped with brake gear sue is well known in the art or of any suitable typesmh .as is illustrated by the The clamping devices of the chain 5. grip the cable and transfer the tension therein to the chain or .band and thence through the sprocket 8 tothebrakes 9 and 10. Automatic means cause the clamps to close on the cable ata position such atA. and to open at'a position B thus allowing the cable-to pass freely oil of the chain and through suitable guiding means such as the tube 11 to and oyerthestern of the ship. Auxiliary guiding and holdingapparatus is provided at 12 in order to ensure the cable entering properly into the clamps of the chain. In its passage from the tank T to the device '12the cable and lumps are conveniently carried through a tube 13 which is soarranged that the-lumps on leaving thetank can readily enter it,

by the bell month 14.

Figure 2 is a plan VlQW out the preferred type et the articulated chain and clamp of Figure 1. Figures 3 and '4: are side and end elevations respectivelywof the open clamp and link of Figure 2. These three figures are therefore to be read together and par arecorres ondin l numbered throimhout.

The sprocket wheels 7 and 8 in Figure 1 comprlse in each case a pair of wheels moui1ted on the same shaft-and the serrations orsprockets 15 of these wheelsengagewit the projecting rollers 1-6 of the links, which are also shown 1G in Figures 2. 3, 4, and $1.9.

The link chain three distinct elementary links viz.

Clamping links. 17, blank or idle links 18 andconnect-ing straps or links 19. It is not necessary that a cable clamp be provided. of

in Figs. 2 and 19 contains every link, hence the introduction of the idle links 18. Both clamp and idle links contain cross frames20 adapted to support the lump as shown in dotted lines at three in Figure l.

meshing a ws 21 arranged so that they exert theircompressing force on the cable in a manner least likely to deform the cable structure.

The clamps compri-sea number oi inter- The link frames 17 and clamping jaws 21 are joined by pivoted arms 22- so thatin opening and closing the jaws 21 always remain parallel its each other.

The dotted lines 23 in Figure at show how the jaws close on the cable 1. 7

When the jaws are closed as shown in the right-hand link of Figure 2, the angle of the arms 22 is such that the force exerted on the jaws by the cable forces the jaws to clamp the cable still more firmly. In order to en- 1% sure the jaws always meshing in the proper manner, they are connected, through the arms 22, shafts to which the arms are connected and intermeshing gear segments 24 mounted on the shafts 25. Springs as at 26 serve to force the jaws into a closed position unless they are maintained open by further devices.

Studs 27 are aflixed to the gear segments 24 act on guide rails 28, and the latter are suitably supported byany suitable frame part of the apparatus and disposed in such a fashion that the jaws are forced open or allowed to close at any desired points in the circuit of the link chain for the purpose de scribed in connection with Figure 1.

In the passage of a lump along the chain it is undesirable that the clamps immediately preceding and opposite the lump close into engagement with the lump. A catch 29 pivotally supported on a clamping link 17 1s therefore provided to engage with a pin 30 on the member 22 toprevent the jaws from closing even though the guides 28 nor-.

mally would allow them to do so. The rearward projection 31 of these catches is an ranged to strike against a stop 100, shown in Fig. 19, in the passage of the link chain, thus releasing the jaws. This stop is made subject to manual control so that when a lump appears itcan be withdrawn, thus leaving the catch in place and preventing the aws closing on the lump. I

In. brief, the operation of the clamping system is this: Sometime before the cable leaves the link chain the jaws are forced open by the guide rails 28.

tions all take place automatically so that,

even during the passage of a lump there is no need for slowing down the ship or otherwise interrupting the paying out process.

Now, when the clamps come up into position to close upon thecable it is essential that the cable be in sucha position that it will fall within the V notch 32 of the clamps (Fig. 4). The mechanism 12 of Figure 1, illustrated in detail in Figs. 5, 6. and 7, is provided to hold the cable in the proper place and impart a sufficient tension previous to entry-within the link clamps to prevent whipping about during the motion of theship. The mechanism 12 is also adapted to holding the cable firmlyin the event of the brakes failing or the link chain" breaking,

or any other mishap.

Figure 5 18 an end elevation and Figure The catches 29 hold them open during their passage along the against the cable by 6 a side elevation of thisguiding and holding device. It comprises, essentially, intermeshing V shaped guides'33 and 33 which, when open, allow suflicient room for the passage of a lump, and when closed force the cable into position as at 34 at the bottom of the Vs and by an application of force in closing can be so positioned as to cause the cable 1 to take a zig-zag path as shown in Figure 7. The natural stiffness of the cable causes it to move past the staggered jaws of Figure 7 with difliculty, and, by properly spacing the jaws and forcing them together sufficiently, the cable can be tightly clamped.

The posit-ion occupied'by a lump in passing through the jaws is indicated by the dotted circle 3'in Figure 5. In their opening and closing motions it is essential that the jaws move equally, otherwisethe cable might be held to one side of the centre. 'To ensure this. two racks-35 and 35 are attached to the respective jaw slides 37 and 37, and by engaging opposite sides of a toothed pinion 36 ensure equal and opposite motions of the jaws. The jaw slides 37 and 37' work in fixed ways or guides 38. Cross members 39 and 39 attach the respective jaws and cause them to move as complete units. The jaws are conveniently moved in and out by steam pistons 40 and 40 working in cylinders41 and 41 in a well known manner, as indicated in Fi re 5.

The valve controlling the steam cylinders may be actuated by hand,'but in order to make it impossible for the jaws to remain closed before an oncoming lump a bell crank and lever arm as shown by 42 in Figure 8 may be provided. By mounting this in the tube 13 just ahead of the auxiliary guiding and holding device the passage of the lump 3 moves the lever 42- and through the medium of the rod or member 43 actuates the valve in such a manner as to cause the jaws to open.

The above completes the description of the general arrangement as shown in Figure 1 for a complete system, and the various (lesigns shown are such as to accommodate cylindrical lumps, with the cable centrally at bothends.

Such a cable arrangement makes it necessary for the clamps mounted on the link chain to open very widely in order to accommodate the lump. Figure 1 also shows the lumps stored. in the centre of the cable tank, in such a manner that the outgoing cable must lift the lump upto the tube through which itpasses.v Certain modifications may be made in these details, lending themselves, perhaps, to easier execution in practice.

Figs. 9 and 9 show the cable 45 taken into a projecting rib 46 along one side of the lump 44. This makes possible the use of a smaller and simpler link clamp as shown in Figure 10. In this figure the jaws 47 need only bpensufficiently to admit the circuit between the cable and fin d6 of the lump 4.4, while projections 48 on the jaws support the lump.

Figures 11 and 12 show two views of a method whereby the continuous run of the cable 49 is preserved far as mechanical strength is concerned but wherein a bight 50 is formed in the cable for connection to a loading unit. V

In these figures the cable 49 passes through circular grooves 51 in the clamping plates '52; The latter are clamped together by abolts, screws, rivets orthe like, 53. As seen in Figure 12 such a construction is but little thicker than the cable itself and therefore the link clamp construction is made simpler. 'Fwure 13 shows a sectional view ol: a

0 1 .HllgIlQillG clamping device. 'lhe magnetic poles 54 of an electromagnet is completed by the steel armour 57 of the cable. The cable is thus drawn forcibly into the groove between the poles, and the friction acts to. )revent motion along its length. ihe non-magnetic serving outside of the armour wire prevents this clamping method from being as cl'l'ective as it otherwise wouldbe. Only the pole pieces at need be carried by the link chain. The core of the magnet 55 and the winding 56 can be fixed in lace the magnetic circuit b6111 7 r: b

completed between fixed core and movable pole pieces through a small air gap 58; By

making the length of this gap small and its.

' area great the effectiveness of the clamp is continuous whipping 62 is put around'the' not materially diminished. The terminals 59 of the winding are to be supplied from any suitable electric source.

Figure 14 shows another method of malt-- ing the cable 61 fast'to the continuous chain or band which passes around the brake drum 62; The cable lies along the band and a :two'by the device 63. This device 63 carries reels 6 L 0?? fine wire or cord and rotates aboutthe cable and band. Such a device is 7 are provided so that the reels on one may be renewed while the other continues in operation. lVliere the cable leaves the band a knile66 or other suitable device is to be provided to sever the whipping or, alternatively,1an unwinding machine may be pro-' vided if it is desired to recover the whipping material. 7

Figures 15 and 16 are respectively side and end elevations of a'still fu "tlier method of attaching the cable the continuous within the tube. V is pulled ahead, the right hand part of the which thecable' 68 is pressed by idler wheels 69. These wheels are mounted on arms 71 which are pivoted at 72 in such a manner tl' atthe wiieels may rise to permit the passage of a lump or junction block like that shown inFigure 11. A spring or other 7 suitable mechanism presses the wheels against the cable, and the friction of the latter within tile 4' groove prevents slipping. In some cases it may not be desirable to sto e t1 allow the lumps to be lifted up through the tube by the outgoing cable. Figure '17 shows how both of these 'l eatures may be avoided. A lump 74 is contained in a bight "section 78 of the cable preceding it has all been tairen from the tank. The bight of' cable '15 permits placing the lump n in the position indicated, and this bight passes downwards through thcslot' 8:2. Th'e slot can be nicely rounded atits termination 82 the lumps in the centre of tank, or i over which the-cable normally passes, and

intermediate'the passage of lumps the slot can he closed rearwar'dly by the slotted ro -s tating hand83 being turneduntil the bell mouth 84 covers the slot. This would eliminate any chance of the outgoing section 78 oi the cable fouling the bight 75. When the cable preceding the luinp 'll that may be resting in the open-end 81 of the tube is nearly exhausted, then the band 83 must he turned until its slot 85coincides with the slot-82 in the tube, so thattheloop 7 8 in the cable will be pulled up and disappear 'lhereupon the lump 74 bight 75 takes the position shown at 7 8 the slot 82 can be closed by thevring 83, and

another lump Tet hoisted up into place within the tube ready for the foregoing operations to be repeated.

Finally, if it isdesired not to null the lump through thctube at all the lump at T l in Figure 17 may be replaced. by a connection or junction block as shown in Fig ure 11 with the lump connected-to the end of the bight 501 A slot along the top of the tube 80in Fi' 'i'ire 17 would allow the bi 'ht C b projecting from the junction bloclr to pass along through it. In'such a case the bight;

'87 Fig. 18 should be made long enough to permit carrying the lump right off and sus pending it over stern the ship as shown in Figure 18. The lump 86 is suspended by the rope 90 passing over a sheave 91 at the end of a supporting arm such as a crane 92. A Wllitgll 18 provided at 93 for lmvering the lump as the junction block 88 lump to gradually conic onthe cable, and.

the supporting rope is then either cut or freed from the lump by any usual form of releasing hook.

This last. method-of operating frees all of the tension gear from the necessity of handling and passing the lump, and allows the lump to be got ready for lowering in a leisurely fashion. Since the lumps are spaced approximately four miles apart and the speed of laying is approximately 5 or 6 miles an hour, it is apparent thata lump ing said clamps to grip the cable during passes only every 40 or 50 minutes.

All description has been limited to the continuous laying of cables because. such application of the method is of by far the greatest importance. It is obvious, however, that if instead of a braking device a driving device be applied to the continuous chain or band, then the cable is picked up by merely reversing the operations previously described. In this connection attention is directed to my pending British application No. 20,188/22 cable handling machinery, wherein braking and driving apparatus is described. Regarding the forms of lumps and methods whereby they are attached to or in the cable, reference is directed to pending British application No. 5,291/22 new or improved methods of loading submarine cables.

I claim I 1. In a mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables, the combination with means for directing the cable overboard, of an endless band that supports a section of the cable and moves therewith and means for holding the cable in contact with the said band while the two are moving together.

2. In mechanism for the layingand picking up of submarine cables, an endless band, guiding means therefor, and means for holding the cable in contact with the band during its movement therewith.

In mechanism for the laying and pick ing up of submarine cables an endless band,

guiding means therefor, means for holding successive lengths of cable in contact with said band and means for releasing the cable after being held in said contact.

it. In mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables an endless band, means for holding the cable in contact with said band and means for causing said band to maintain the cable under proper tension.

5. In mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables, means for directing the cable over board, an endless band, a section ofwhich is in the path of the cable, meansfor holding the cable in contact with the band so the cable and band move together andmeans tendingto retard the movements of the band whereby tension is applied to the cable.

(5. In mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables an endless band free to be moved, and clamps carried thereby, said clamps gripping the cable whereby the cable imparts movement to the band.

7. In mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables an endless band.

free to be moved, clamps carried thereby, to engage with the cable, whereby the latter imparts motion to the band, successive clamps in movement accommodating successive lengths of cable and means for causmovement therewith and means to cause the endless cable accommodated within those. clamps moving in the same direction as the cable, and successive clamps accommodating successive lengths of cable.

9. In mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables an endless band free to be moved, guides therefor, such guides positioned within the band and at each extremity thereof, clamps carried by the band,

release of the cable after the determination of said -clamps gripping the cable whereby the cable imparts motion to the band, successive clamps gripping successive lengths of cable, said bandoperating to impart rotary motion to the guides and means for exerting a braking effort on said guides. I

10. In mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables, the combination with a storage tank for the cable and an endless band, clamps carried thereby, successive clamps gripping successive lengths of cable, and means for uiding said cable intermediate th band and storing tanks.

11. In mechanism for the laying and picking up of submarine cables an endlessband,

.means for directing the cable overboard, of; r

a portion located close to the path of the cable, clamps carried by the'band comprising intermeshing jaws adapted to grip the cable, and automatically operating means for causing the jaws to engage with the cable I anal to release the same.

v 14. In mechanism forthe' laying and piclri mg up of submarine cables anendless band,

link frames carried by said band, arms pivoted to said frames, jaws pivoted to said arms, said jaws gripping thecable' and gear segments cO-acti-ng with'said arms. 1 515. In mechanism for the laying and pick ingup of submarine cables an endless band, link frames carried by said band, arms pivoted tosaid frames, jaws'pivoted to said arms, said jawsgripping the cable, gear segments co-acting with said arms and springs exerting an efiort to close the jaws.

16; In mechanism for the laying and pick ing up of submarine cables an endlessband, link frames carried by said band, arms ivoted to said frames, jaws pivoted to said arms, said jaws gripping the cable, gear segments (re-acting with said arms, springs exerting an effort to close the jaws, studs aiiixedto the gear segments, and fixed: guide rails, said studs bearingon the rails and said rails so disposed as'to force open and allow the jaws to close, at any in the circuit of theba'nd. a

17'. Apparatus for laying and picking up cables containing discontinuities or irregu- 1 laritiesalong their 'lengtl'i', comprising, in combination with storage tanks for the cable, an endless band, clamps carried thereby, said clamps gripping the cable, successive lengths of cable and means for guiding said cable intermediate the band and storage vtanks.

18? Apparatus forthe laying and piclc in-g up of cables containing irregularities 1 band arranged to grip the cable andalso' to permit the saidirregularities of the cable to pass and means forv guiding the cable beforeand after it reaches said band 19. In mechanism for the and picking up of submarine cables an endless'band, link frames carried by said band, 'arrns desired points 7 pivoted to said frames, jaws pivoted to said rails, said studs bearing on the'rails, said 7 rails controlling the opening and closing of said jaws, spring catches carried by said frames, pins carried by said arms, said catches engaging the pins when the jaws are open t'o the full extent, said jaws being incapable of closing while a pin and catch are in engagement, a. stop for releasing said catch, and means for placing said stop into and out of operative position.

20. In mechanism for laying and picking up of submarine cables,.the combination of means for directing the cable, an endless band free to move located adjacent to the course of the cable and means carried by the band and arrangedto connectthe cable with' the band so that they move together, and mechanism for holding the cable inprop'er place and i111 arting tension there- 'to located close to the place where the cable comes into engagement with the band.

21. V In mechanism for'the laying and pickthroii'gh which" the cable passes to a clamp,

a lever projecting into-said tube, said lever being arran ed to c'ontrcl'sald clamp, and to be operated'by each lump 1n passing to open the clamp and allow otthe passage oi? the lump through the clamp.

22. In mechanism for the laying and picking' up of submarine cables carrying lumps whichare-connected tobights in the cables, an endless band, means; for attaching the cable thereto, a tube for conveying the cable to the band, the said tube having an open end and a slot formed in said tube at the open end thereof and means for accommodat ing'the lump in the open end of the tube immediately prior-to being drawn along the tube with the; cable. 7 V a, I 7

231 Inmecha'ni'sm for the laying and pickingup of submarine cables carrying lumps which are connected to bights'in the cables, an endless bzmd, means for attaching the cable thereto, a tube guiding the cable to the band, a slot in the tube, and means for suspending and lowering said lumps independent of the cable,

F p 'nicK EUGENE rnRno'T. 

